X-37B advances US Space Force capabilities with innovative orbital maneuvers

Since its first launch on April 22, 2010, there have been seven missions involving the X-37B. These missions have included new maneuvers and scientific experiments. According to Boeing, "A lighter composite structure" is used in its construction along with "New generation of high-temperature wing leading-edge tiles and toughened uni-piece fibrous refractory oxidation-resistant ceramic (TUFROC) tiles." Additionally, it features "Advanced conformal reusable insulation (CRI) blankets" and "Toughened uni-piece fibrous insulation (TUFI) impregnated silica tiles."

A notable aspect of the X-37B is its use of electro-mechanical actuation instead of hydraulics—a first for a spacecraft—particularly important as it tests new maneuvers such as aerobraking. An October 10 statement from Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs confirmed that aerobraking was tested during its seventh space test flight.

General Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations for the US Space Force, highlighted this achievement: "This first-of-a-kind maneuver from the X-37B is an incredibly important milestone for the United States Space Force as we seek to expand our aptitude and ability to perform in this challenging domain."

Despite being a reliable test platform for long endurance testing and hosting numerous scientific experiments—such as exposing seeds to space radiation—the future capabilities beyond the X-37B are being considered. General Saltzman noted that it might be time to explore "the next available capability," though lessons learned from this reusable vehicle will inform future developments.

General Saltzman emphasized at the 2024 Air, Space & Cyber Conference that controlling space is now essential: “When it was once only necessary to access and use the domain for national benefit... achieving space superiority so that we can continue to access and exploit [it].”

While it's not confirmed if X-37B carries anti-satellite weapons like fictional portrayals in media such as James Bond or Dale Brown novels suggest potential weaponization exists. A commissioned painting by Rick Herter depicts a future US Space Force vehicle inspired by X-37B intercepting hostile threats—a portrayal intended despite classified operations according to historian Christopher Rumley.

The question remains whether this prototype could serve combat purposes given its quick orbit-changing capability substantial payload capacity holding position over extended periods inspiring future projects akin F35 development starting x planes…